Temporary Armed Security Guard License

In Alabama, you must carry your temporary armed security guard license on your person when on duty as an armed security officer until your armed security officer license is issued by the ASRB. At the bottom of the last page of the ASRB Personal Security Officer License Application, cut off the original, filled out and notarized ALABAMA SECURITY REGULATORY BOARD TEMPORARY PERSONAL LICENSE to use as your temporary license as shown below. This is the same form as used for unarmed security guards, except that you have to check the Armed Security Officer box.

GARD Pro Not Registered

Exemptions

You don’t need to get an armed security guard license in Alabama for any of the same reasons as listed for an unarmed security guard license. However, you still must have a pistol license unless you are also exempt for needing a pistol license.

Prior to using any firearm for any regulated service or activity as an armed security officer, you must successfully complete the appropriate ASRB-mandated qualification course for the firearm-type you will use while on duty.

If you have a valid pistol license, pistol permit, or similar license or permit issued in the State of Alabama or any state offering unrestricted reciprocity for State of Alabama pistol license or permit holders, you meet the pistol permit requirement for an armed security guard.

You apply for your pistol permit with the sheriff of the county where you live.

It is a violation for any security officer to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties without holding a valid armed security officer license from the ASRB.

Any National Rifle Association (NRA) course of fire, target, scoring method and minimum score for handgun, shotgun, or rifle that is officially approved by the NRA Law Enforcement Activities Division for use by a NRA-defined Private Law Enforcement Organization for firearms.

Pistol Permit Application Fees

You apply for your pistol permit from your county sheriff’s department. The fee for your permit varies by the county. However, your pistol permit is valid in all counties in Alabama. Application forms are usually available online from each county sheriff’s department’s website along with how to pay the pistol permit fee and submit the application. Below are some of the fees and application downloads for some of the counties with large populations.

Application Form Cost

Pistol Permit Other Requirements

The ASRB will not issue an armed security officer license to any person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm by any section of State law or the Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. Chapter 44).

Firearm Permit Application Process

To be an armed security officer in Alabama:

Complete the firearm training and test required for the type of firearm you’d be carrying while on duty.

Obtain your pistol permit from the sheriff for the county in which you reside.

Complete the ASRB forms as described in the unarmed security officer section of this page.

Armed Security Guard Other Requirements

All requirements for unarmed security officers.

You must be at least 21 to be an armed guard as compared to 18 to be an unarmed security officer.